Pinching apology from Peter Sagan

Tuesday 2 April 2013 13:48 BST

Cyclist Peter Sagan has apologised for pinching the bottom of a flower girl while they were on the podium at the Tour of Flanders.

The 23-year-old Slovakian, who was second, could not keep his left hand to himself when Maja Leye kissed winner Fabian Cancellara on Sunday. With a smile, he theatrically touched her bottom but his actions sparked outrage on Twitter.

He said in a video message today: “I am so sorry and I hope that Maja and anyone else I have offended knows how sorry I am. I promise to act more respectfully in the future.”

Last year, Sagan won the points classification at the Tour de France, succeeding Britain’s Mark Cavendish.